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Spurgeon74
Frequent Visitor

Ruler in Power BI?

I have a report with several x-y charts. Is it possible to insert a movable ruler to visually compare data points?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
grazitti_sapna
Super User
Super User

Hi @Spurgeon74 ,

Power BI doesn't have a built-in feature for adding a movable ruler directly to visualizations like x-y charts. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a combination of shapes and slicers. Here’s how you can create a workaround to visually compare data points:

  • Option 1: Using Shapes
    • Add a Shape:
      • Go to the Home tab, select Shapes, and choose a line or rectangle shape.
      • Draw it over your x-y chart to represent the ruler.
    • Format the Shape:
      • Adjust the thickness, color, and transparency as needed to make it look like a ruler.
    • Manual Adjustment:
      • You can manually move the shape to the desired position to compare data points. However, this won't be interactive or movable in real-time.
  • Option 2: Using Slicers and Reference Lines
    • Add a Slicer:
      • Create a slicer based on one of the numerical axes in your chart (e.g., the x-axis values).
      • This allows users to select specific values to focus on while visually comparing data points.
    • Add a Reference Line (if applicable):
      • If you’re using certain visuals (like line charts), you can add reference lines to mark specific values on your charts for easier comparison.
  • Option 3: Create a Custom Visual
    • If you're looking for more advanced functionality:
      • Look for Custom Visuals: There are custom visuals available in the Power BI marketplace that might offer ruler-like features or enhanced comparison tools.


Conclusion
While Power BI doesn’t support a movable ruler natively, using shapes or slicers can help you visually compare data points effectively. If you need more interactivity, consider exploring custom visuals in the marketplace.

If I have resolved your question, please consider marking my post as a solution🎉. Thank you!

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
Idrissshatila
Super User
Super User

Hello @Spurgeon74 ,

 

what do you mean by movable ruler, can you please explain.



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grazitti_sapna
Super User
Super User

Hi @Spurgeon74 ,

Power BI doesn't have a built-in feature for adding a movable ruler directly to visualizations like x-y charts. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a combination of shapes and slicers. Here’s how you can create a workaround to visually compare data points:

  • Option 1: Using Shapes
    • Add a Shape:
      • Go to the Home tab, select Shapes, and choose a line or rectangle shape.
      • Draw it over your x-y chart to represent the ruler.
    • Format the Shape:
      • Adjust the thickness, color, and transparency as needed to make it look like a ruler.
    • Manual Adjustment:
      • You can manually move the shape to the desired position to compare data points. However, this won't be interactive or movable in real-time.
  • Option 2: Using Slicers and Reference Lines
    • Add a Slicer:
      • Create a slicer based on one of the numerical axes in your chart (e.g., the x-axis values).
      • This allows users to select specific values to focus on while visually comparing data points.
    • Add a Reference Line (if applicable):
      • If you’re using certain visuals (like line charts), you can add reference lines to mark specific values on your charts for easier comparison.
  • Option 3: Create a Custom Visual
    • If you're looking for more advanced functionality:
      • Look for Custom Visuals: There are custom visuals available in the Power BI marketplace that might offer ruler-like features or enhanced comparison tools.


Conclusion
While Power BI doesn’t support a movable ruler natively, using shapes or slicers can help you visually compare data points effectively. If you need more interactivity, consider exploring custom visuals in the marketplace.

If I have resolved your question, please consider marking my post as a solution🎉. Thank you!

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